I realize the past couple of months have been anything but a holiday for many people: those who’ve faced illness themselves or cared for ailing family members, those who’ve lost loved ones, others who have lost their jobs or whose professions put them in harm’s way. My heart goes out to all those people and everyone else who has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. I feel fortunate that so far, at least, this time of isolation has been a kind of respite for me. When it all began, back in mid-March, I thought to myself: Well, I always wanted to go on a creativity retreat in some peaceful place. Here’s my chance! And for the most part, that’s how I’ve approached it. Here in our quiet patch of woods, with no outside commitments, I’ve been free to focus on projects I find it hard to concentrate on when I’m always on the go. And a funny thing has happened: The further we get into Stay Home – Stay Safe, the more protective I’ve become of my free time and solitude. Like most people during this time, I’ve been deluged with a mind-boggling number of invitations to Facebook Live events, Zoom gatherings, free webinars, and other virtual happenings. My internet service’s dwindling data allowance won’t permit me to join in most of those, and while I truly regret having to turn down some invitations—especially From the Heart Yoga’s Zoom classes and chats with my yogini sisters—I haven’t minded passing up the rest. They’ve felt like distractions, in the same way that outside commitments often do. So how have I been spending my precious retreat time? Let me count the ways . . . 1. Writing![]() I’ve been working steadily on my novel-in-progress. Rather than spinning out pages, I decided to take a more disciplined approach, guided by the process Lisa Cron champions in her book Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages That Go Nowhere). The title itself was enough to sell me on the book, and as I work my way through it I’m becoming even more of a fan. It’s hard work, requiring a lot of thought and a lot of writing, followed by digging deeper, thinking more, and writing more. Being able to spend hours in concentrated work, not just stolen minutes here and there, has led to much-needed breakthroughs. Finally, I’m getting some clarity on how to achieve what I’m trying to achieve in the story I’m working on. 2. DecoratingEarly in our Newaygo life—around a decade ago—I scoured flea markets, antiques shops, and ebay for interesting picture frames, visualizing a gallery of old family pictures in our upstairs hallway. Those frames have sat in a trunk in the guest bedroom all these years, waiting for me to fill them. Every month of every year I’ve thought I’d get to it, and every month of every year has somehow gotten filled up in other ways. Finally, I gathered frames and photos, did the necessary prep work, and with Ray’s help, hung them in the hall. Here are the pictures that now have homes: While I was at it, I framed a few more of my nature photos to hang in my studio and the guest room. I’m happy seeing the empty spaces filled and even happier having done something that had been on my to-do list far too long. 3. Lending a (Virtual) HandA volunteer opportunity cropped up: entering data for a ballot initiative for which I’d helped gather signatures. I thought, Why not? I certainly have the time! It’s a simple task—just taking names, phone numbers, and email addresses from cell-phone photos of petitions and entering the info onto a spreadsheet. A little hard on the eyes, but easy on the brain, which suits me fine right now. 4. Pathfinding![]() Every spring, one of our tasks is cleaning up downed trees and branches in the patch of woods around our house. Ray cuts up the wood and runs the small and medium-sized pieces through the chipper. I gather up the chips and spread them on the paths we’ve made around our property. This year has yielded enough chips for me to create a new path or two. In the process of making many chip-laden wheelbarrow trips, I rack up an astonishing number of steps, according to my Fitbit. Between that work and my wanderings in the woods (see item #4), I’ve been covering some serious miles. ![]() Enter the North Country Trail Association’s Hike 100 Challenge. The idea is to hike 100 miles in a year. Normally, those miles have to be on the North Country Trail (though it doesn’t matter whether you hike the same mile 100 times or cover 100 unique miles of trail). But this year, in response to shelter-in-place directives, the association bent the rules to allow all miles walked in April and May—in your backyard, around the house or neighborhood, on the treadmill—to count toward the total. I’ve been keeping track, and I’ve already passed the 60-mile mark. I could very well hit 100 by the end of this month. 5. Woods wanderingTrue, I do this all the time, not just when we’re on lockdown. But spending time in nature has been particularly restorative during this time of unprecedented events and uncertainty. I hauled out my cameras, which I’d been neglecting while busy with book promotion, and discovered anew the joy of wandering around, photographing flowers, flowing water, and woodland creatures. Here are a few shots from my wanderings. You’ll find more at the end of this post. 6. Trying something newI read an article by nature photographer Melissa Groo about an unusual technique for photographing fast-moving birds in flight. Intrigued, I tried it out that very afternoon, trying to catch chickadees and nuthatches coming and going at the bird feeder. While my results aren’t quite where I’d like yet, in terms of sharpness, I was happy to at least capture a complete bird—not just tail feathers at the edge of the frame—on a fair number of attempts. I’m showing you these not because they’re anything to brag about, but because they represent the kind of patient, try-try-again attitude that’s easier to adopt when you’re not trying to fit so many things into your day. 7. Resting and reflectingEmptiness is the pregnant void out of which all creation springs. -- Wayne Muller The above quote is from an article titled “Fear of Rest” in the May issue of The Sun magazine, excerpted from Muller’s book Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest. As so often happens, I came across the article at precisely the time I needed to read it. Musing on the necessity of rest—and our resistance to it—made me more appreciative of having time to intersperse rest with periods of activity. The older I get, the more I respect rest, but I still need reminding sometimes that it’s a legitimate use of time, not only to restore the body, but also to feed creativity. How have the past couple of months been for you? How are you feeling about re-entry? Enjoy a nature break . . .
35 Comments
5/6/2020 06:42:21 am
Just went thru this too quickly as I must clean the house again. I will be back but just loved it Nan. Birds in flight , amazing.
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Nan
5/6/2020 08:44:19 am
Oh yes, cleaning. That still has to be done, doesn't it? That's on my list for today, too. Glad you enjoyed a quick look at this post.
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Valerie Roberts
5/6/2020 06:45:34 am
I have used my time to edge and weed so that I have the cleanest garden beds ever. I wrote a novella for my grandson that I mailed to him so we could get stuff out of the mailbox for several weeks. The story is fun, an adventure tale with over 50 animals, all native to North America. I even offered the story to my neighborhood list serve and was happy to receive many grateful responses from parents looking for diversions for kids who have been unable to get out enough.
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Nan
5/6/2020 08:45:48 am
Impressive, Valerie! I'm happy that you're spending some of this time writing. I'd love to read the story you wrote. Like you, I wonder what days will be like a year from now, or even a few months from now.
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Sally Kane
5/6/2020 06:59:07 am
Reading this and viewing your photos, I felt myself join you on your creative journey. I was reminded, again, of the importance of putting voice to one's experience and story. Thanks for the inspiring journey.
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Nan
5/6/2020 08:46:31 am
Thanks, Sally. I hope you're getting some writing done, too.
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Mary Ellen Darnell
5/6/2020 07:27:34 am
I'm so glad my sister Gloria Switzer acquainted me to your blog Never heard the term skeletonized leaf before! Perfect and I've seen many! more intricate designs even in its ascent!
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Nan
5/6/2020 08:47:52 am
I'm so glad, too, Mary Ellen -- it's great to have you visiting the blog.
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Tonya H.
5/6/2020 07:49:20 am
Having heard and been fastinated by Sally's stories that she's read, makes me glad to hear that she may be thinking of writing more!
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Nan
5/6/2020 08:49:02 am
We could probably fill several more blog posts with examples of what other people have been doing during this time. Hmmm, now there's an idea!
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Sally Pobojewski
5/6/2020 08:38:00 am
You continue to amaze me. I wish I had my own list of quarantine accomplishments to share. I love the birds-in-flight photos!!
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Nan
5/6/2020 08:50:39 am
Thanks so much, Sally. I'm determined to keep trying with those flying-bird photos. I'd love to catch a cardinal or blue jay in flight.
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Such beautiful photos, Nan! Wow! What a time of finding your creative vibe. Getting away from the demands and business has been freeing and has given us (who are so blessed to live in this wonderful nature area of Newaygo) time for reflection. Thank you for sharing.
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Nan
5/6/2020 09:01:29 am
Thank you, Katie. Yes, we certainly are blessed to live in an area like this. Makes things so much more bearable at a time like this.
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Sally Wagoner
5/6/2020 10:28:14 am
I love all the photos but was especially caught by the petroglyph in the wood - nature saying "I was here!".
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Nan
5/6/2020 11:46:43 am
It does look like a petroglyph, doesn't it? That was my first thought. I love your interpretation of it.
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Katherine Myers
5/15/2020 11:46:39 am
I loved that one as well!! As I did all the others of course.
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Cheryl McGrath
5/6/2020 10:33:29 am
I enjoy reading all of your posts, Nan. This one really resonated with me and I agree "the further we get into Stay Home – Stay Safe, the more protective I’ve become of my free time and solitude." I'm learning more about myself and enjoying a different perspective on my daily life during this season. As a beginner photographer, I love your pictures as I understand what's required to capture them!
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Nan
5/6/2020 11:49:29 am
It's been an interesting time, that's for sure. I've been re-reading an old journal from 25 years ago, when I took a four-month leave of absence from work (which stretched much longer when there was a newspaper strike halfway into my leave). The parallels between that time in my life and this time have been striking.
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Marcos Kane
5/6/2020 12:07:11 pm
Dear Nan
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Nan
5/7/2020 02:16:16 pm
Much appreciated, Marcos!
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Trisha Faye
5/6/2020 12:29:41 pm
Beautiful photos!
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Nan
5/7/2020 02:18:28 pm
That sounds like quite a project, Trisha. I'd love to see photos when you have your retreat back in shape.
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Marsha Reeves
5/6/2020 03:11:57 pm
I absolutely LOVE the chickadee photos!! Every single wing and tail feather visible and working! I love how you showcase the beauty that surrounds us.
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Nan
5/7/2020 02:21:00 pm
I was astonished at those beautiful, fan-like wings, too, Marsha. Chickadees flit so fast, it's hard to see anything but a blur!
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Valerie Deur
5/6/2020 06:34:12 pm
your talents continue to amaze me... I have been taking some pretty good pictures, I think i will hall that phone camera around some more the creek shot just before the trillium.. looks like a painting....... & thanks again for the volunteer work!!
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Nan
5/7/2020 02:22:38 pm
I'd love to see your pictures, Valerie!
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5/7/2020 05:58:04 am
Amazing photos to lift the spirits. I had to grab my laptop to get a better view of them. Phone just doesn't do them justice. Oh the colors and your artistic eye captures the beauty and peace and fun. I especially love the vintage photos of family. Very special. Thank you for sharing this inspiring post.
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Nan
5/7/2020 02:24:11 pm
Thank YOU, Janet! I'm happy that you enjoyed the pictures.
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Sue Schneider
5/9/2020 05:23:51 am
What an inspiring post. Great images, especially the birds. Wow! They are spectacular in flight. I’m so glad you are experimenting with new techniques. Please share more.
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Nan
5/9/2020 12:20:44 pm
Thanks, Sue! I appreciate the encouragement. As soon as it warms up again, I plan to get out and keep experimenting with the bird pictures.
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larry neitzert
5/13/2020 08:27:18 am
Greatly enjoyed your pictures.
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Nan
5/14/2020 09:11:22 am
Good to hear, Larry! I hope you will do more photography. I find it's a great complement to writing.
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Katherine Myers
5/15/2020 11:54:17 am
I am amazed at how much you resemble BOTH your parents, I loved these pictures. I once had an entire wall like this, but when I took them down to paint, I never rehung for some reason. I've always been active in the gardens, but I've increased just walking--and have lost 10 pounds during the shutdown. I'm happy and my doctor is too! Though I don't have a blog, photos for my Lily Hill page force me to stop gardening and appreciate the views, far and close up, so I love seeing what you're seeing. Thanks, Nancy!
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Nan
5/17/2020 11:03:03 am
Yes, funny, isn't it? When I look in the mirror sometimes I see my dad and other times I see my mother. And my brother didn't look like either one of them--or like anyone else in the family. I guess I got all the family-resemblance genes. I love hearing about your corona-cation activities.
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Written from the heart,
from the heart of the woods Read the introduction to HeartWood here.
Available now!Author
Nan Sanders Pokerwinski, a former journalist, writes memoir and personal essays, makes collages and likes to play outside. She lives in West Michigan with her husband, Ray. Archives
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